Perfect Timing (Closed for NewGame8)

[Girly_girl]

It was that time again. For the past 5 years, Pamela Murphy( aka known as Pam to her closest friends)had been making an escape from her hectic life to different destinations all over the world. This years itinerary was departing Port Canaveral, Florida and moving forward to Celebration Key, Nassau and Half Moon Cay. She had looked forward to these getaways every year, the last 4 years her sister had joined her but being a new mom took priority. Pam was 35 years young, long brunette locks with natural red highlights, hazel eyes, 5'4" and curves in all the right places.

Pam had been head nurse on the cardiology unit at St. Michaels's Hospital for the past 3 years and worked hard to get where she was. Behind her alluring hazel eyes laid scars from her past. 6 years ago she had escaped a verbally abusive relationship. She was a strong woman but had been worn down by the everyday insults and cruel narcissistic behavior, causing her to be extremely cautious in ever getting involved again. However, her friends and family were telling her she should get out there again. She argued with them that time would tell and she would feel it in her heart when she stumbled upon him. Would this trip be perfect timing? Only time would tell.

 

[NewGame8]

Steven Trumble was a 34 year old attorney who until 6 months ago had been living the good life. His specialty was Mergers and Acquisitions, and he was very good at what he did. He was married and the two of them enjoyed the fruits of his labor. They lived in a big house; both drove expensive cars, and they travelled around the world. All of that changed when Steven's wife was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. All of a sudden, their world came crashing down.

Now a widower, Steven poured himself even deeper into his work. He wanted to forget what had happened. All that it did though was make him more money. It didn't bring him any closure. It didn't bring him any happiness. In fact, all it did was make things worse on him.

Co-workers tried to convince him to go out with them, but on the rare occasion that he did, it was pure agony. Several times they tried to fix him up with a woman. That had been a mistake. It just made him avoid going out with them at all. His family members tried to convince him that he had to move on with his life. They reminded him that his wife made him promise he would. He just found it too hard to move on.

He had considered travelling to try to put things behind him, but he was afraid that it would just stir up reminders of her. Then, one night while sitting at home he saw something on the television about a cruise. Cruising was something that his wife and him had never done. He went online and did some research and found a cruise that seemed simple enough. Cruising to the Bahamas would be harmless. It would get him away from work for a while, and it would also get people off his back that were telling him he needed to move on.

So he booked it, and the next thing he knew he was flying to Florida to meet the cruise ship at Port Canaveral. Hopefully, this would be something to clear his head and provide him with an opportunity to have a good time.

 

[Girly_girl]

After her short flight into MCO Airport, she got her luggage and found her private driver she had hired to drive her to the port to board the ship. Finally arriving at the port and tipping the driver, he helped her with her luggage up to the porter counter. Pam thanked him and started her boarding process.

With this being her first solo trip, she had mixed emotions about it. Part of her was terrified, part of her was excited, part of her was sad. She made a mental note to herself that this was going to be the best trip she would ever have up to this point in her life. Looking around at all the people, she wandered over to one of the many bars. After a few minutes a bartender came over and took her order. She smiled, “May I have a blood orange margarita, please with sugar rim?” Pam thanked him and found a high top table and sat down, taking in the sights.

 

[NewGame8]

Once he arrived at the port, Steven went through the check-in and security procedures before making his way to his cabin. His balcony room was overlooking the port. Standing on the balcony for a few minutes, he looked over the mass of people who were still waiting to board the ship. He was happy he had arrived early and was one of the first to board.

Walking back into the room, Steven decided to head up to the top deck and walk around. Once up there, he slowly made his way around the deck, checking out the large pool, the giant buffet, the entrance to the water slide, and the basketball courts. He thought about the possibility of joining a couple of pick-up basketball games during the cruise. Then, he walked past the bar. He stopped there for a minute and found out that he was able to get a drink now, but the bar would be closing when it was time for the muster drill.

After ordering "something tropical" Steven looked around while he waited for the bartender to surprise him. This was totally unlike Steven to let someone else make a decision for him, but he decided for this trip to just throw caution to the wind.... well, not completely. Soon the bartender placed a drink in front of him. Steven smiled and took a sip. "Ohhh, so, tell me, what is it?" The bartender told him it was called Sky Juice. Steven decided it was going to be his drink of choice for the cruise.

Taking the drink, Steven moved to the rail and looked down toward the dock again. "Sure is better to be here right now instead of being going through all of that at the last minute." Turning his back and leaning against the rail, Steven looked around as more and more people made their way to the top deck. He took notice of the couples, the single females, and the single males that he was certain were going to be chasing the single females. He had a feeling it was going to be an interesting trip.

 

[Girly_girl]

As Pam sat at her table, looking around at the crowds of people, she considered herself the expert at picking out who was who. The single guys who tried way to hard with the single girls, the families obviously, the single girls who had no ounce of self respect and threw themselves at any man who gave them the slightest bit of attention. Then there were the mysterious ones, the ones she had trouble reading, much like herself.

Enjoying her blood orange margarita, she heard a ship employee announce that a muster drill was about to start. She decided to walk over towards the railing, as there weren’t too many guests over there yet. Picking up her handbag and her drink and putting her sunglasses on, Pam slowly made her way over to the railing, she noticed a well dressed, but casual gentleman with a delicious looking tropical drink,looking around the deck.

 

[NewGame8]

The announcement of the muster drill sent people scurrying toward the elevators. Steven decided there was no need to hurry... at least, he didn't think there was. He really didn't know for sure since this was his first time cruising.

He watched as several guys tried to talk some girls into letting them show the way to their muster station. Steven was pretty sure that muster stations were determined by cabin number. Several of the girls blew the guys off, but there were a couple of women who decided to go along with the guys. Was it just for a hook-up? Was it just to shut them up? Steven wasn't sure, but he watched with interest. He was curious to see whether they would be together later on.

While waiting for the crowd to thin out so that he could go down to his muster station, Steven continued to lean against the rail. While doing so, he noticed an attractive woman walking toward the rail in a colorful sundress that showed off the very impressive curves of her body. He watched as she moved in his direction; fortunately, his sunglasses hid the fact that he was looking directly at her.

Turning his head so that the woman did not think he was staring at her, Steven was surprised at himself. It was the first time in a long while that he took notice of a woman.... any woman. He took a drink of his Sky Juice while looking out of the corner of his eyes at the woman. He wondered if she was alone on the cruise. As attractive as she was, there was no way that could be possible.

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam never understood why people ran for their lives after the muster drill announcement was always made. Life is too short for hurrying and rushing. She took her time walking over to the railing, smiling politely at the well dressed man she had noticed from her table a few minutes ago.

Looking down at the docks, seeing all loved ones of cruise guests brought a smile to Pam’s face. Pushing her sunglasses up on her head, she smiled thinking of how tiny they looked from up here, followed by thinking out loud.” I have a feeling this is going to be a trip to remember.”

 

[NewGame8]

Hearing the woman say something, he turned and looked at her. Steven saw that she was looking over the railing at all of the people waving to friends and family on the ship as they departed the dock. Steven looked over and was surprised they had left the dock. He didn't realize the muster drill took place after the ship set sail.

Looking at the woman again, he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over her. As he walked past her on the way to the elevator, he said to her, "I hope you are right." He smiled toward the woman and kept walking toward the elevator so that he could take part in the muster drill. He had no idea if there were consequences for missing or being late to the drill, but he didn't want to find out.

As he rode down on the elevator, he thought about the woman that he had seen on the upper deck. He wondered if he would see her again. It was the first time he thought about a woman in a long time.

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam turned and started towards the elevator, the man that she had smiled at had returned the smile and said…”I hope you’re right!” She thought to herself that this is probably his first cruise.

Arriving down at the muster drill with the rest of the passengers, Pam finally started to relax. It was odd being here by herself, she’d just have to make do and try and make some friends. Her eyes searched the crowd of passengers with smiles and excitement, she wondered if she would see the handsome stranger again.

 

[NewGame8]

After making his way to the muster station, Steven looked at the people who were just standing around. It almost looked like a social event as people stood in a designated area but were just talking with one another. Some people were introducing themselves to others while several couples just stood there talking with one another. Steven just stood in the vicinity of the area where he was supposed to be and waited.

It wasn't too long before a member of the crew came by with a clipboard and started checking off the cabins that everyone was from. Steven wondered what else they were supposed to do. There were several others that appeared to be first time cruisers like him who were looking around wondering what to do next. The rest had obviously cruised before because they were not concerned with anything.

Before he knew what was going on, the drill was over and people were heading in different directions. Steven waited, let the crowd thin out and then decided to take a walk around the deck. It wasn't too long before he realized that the deck on this level doubled as a walking/ jogging track. "Perfect, I can get my run in every morning." Steven ran early every morning, so would get out here before it got too crowded.

Continuing to walk around the ship, Steven wondered what he was going to really do with himself during the cruise. He had never really look at the itinerary. This was the first cruise that had popped up when he did his internet search and he booked it. It was so unlike him not to do his due diligence and research everything thoroughly. Maybe that was the point of this trip.... don't be yourself..... do things differently.... let yourself go a little.

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam was taking notice of all the different groups of people while waiting for her cabin assignment. She was hoping for a quiet floor away from the younger, rowdier groups. Before too long she saw a crew member come around, she saw the man from earlier getting his cabin assignment and soon after, approached her. Pleased with her arrangements, she made her way to one of the upper decks to check things out.

Strolling around the deck, feeling the warm sun on her face, Pam took a look at the itinerary. She would definitely take advantage of the walking/running track every morning, as well as the gym and sauna. When the cruise had been booked, one of the excursions she had purchased was a food and walking tour around Nassau, unfortunately she had not been able to get the money refunded on her extra ticket, due to her sister not being able to join her. Maybe she could just find someone to give it to.

 

[NewGame8]

As he walked around the deck of the ship, he once again saw the woman he had seen on the upper deck. She looked wonderful in the sundress she was wearing as it showed off what appeared to be an incredible body. He took his time as he walked past her; being sure to check out how the dress accentuated her wonderful curves. He had only been on the ship a short time and had already seen her twice. Maybe it was an omen. Of course, he still wasn't convinced that she was alone on the cruise, so, he slow played it and decided that he would not approach her yet.

As he continued to walk around the deck, he saw a table set up next to a posterboard that had the various shore excursions listed. On the table was also a handout with the excursions listed. He looked at the posterboard and tried to find something to do. One thing that caught his eye was a snorkeling excursion. He thought about it for a minute and then spoke with the crew member who was manning the table. The woman smiled at Steven, looked around and then whispered to him, "I wouldn't waste your money on that excursion. There is nothing special about it on this cruise. Other cruises have the snorkeling near sunken ships, this one is just ... well, it is boring." She looked around again. "but you did not hear that from me."

Steven thanked the woman. "I'll take a look at the handout and see if there is anything else that catches my eye."

 

[Girly_girl]

As Pam approached one of the excursion tables on the deck, she inquired about one of the sunset dinner cruises and the relaxing day at a secluded beach, she had done both of them before and enjoyed them. Not too many people do the private beach, so her and her sister had always had the beach to themselves with a few other people scattered. Stepping away from the table, she saw the man again, walking towards the crew member with all the excursion information.

Looking at her phone and putting in her new info for the beach day and sunset cruise, she heard him inquiring about different things to do. The crew member talked him out of the day of snorkeling, laughing she said “She’s not wrong.” Gathering some courage after taking a deep breath Pam approached the man that she kept crossing paths with. “Excuse me, I uh…couldn’t help but overhear the crew member talking you out of the snorkeling day. I have to agree with her, I’ve done it and you’re not missing anything special.” Pam pointed to a few things on his brochure and recommended a few things she’s done and enjoyed.

“The sunset dinner cruise is absolutely lovely, you’ll never see another sunset like it. Don’t even get me started on the food, chefs kiss!” Pam could feel her anxiety rising talking to the handsome man, it normally wasn’t easy for her to talk to men like this. “Anyway, you looked a little lost and overwhelmed, just giving you a heads up. You picked a great cruise, I’ve done this one a few times.”

 

[NewGame8]

Steven turned as he heard a woman talking. He smiled at the woman when he realized that she was talking to him. "Thank you. I figured that if a member of the crew was trying to talk me out of it that it was not something I wanted to do. Now that I hear it from you, it confirms that she was looking out for me. I appreciate you telling me that I am not missing anything by not going snorkeling."

Listening to the woman as she pointed out a few things on the brochure and then talked up the sunset cruise. "That sounds very nice, but a sunset dinner cruise sounds like something more for couples and not something for a single guy on his first cruise." Steven paused for a second. "Of course, I may be wrong. This is my first ever cruise and I really am not up on all of the best and worst things to do. Actually, I am not up on anything to do with cruising."

Smiling at her as they stood together near the rail, "Oh pardon my manners. My name is Steven."

 

[Girly_girl]

“That’s what I love about cruises, especially this line. They don’t try and push the excursions on you, they will never steer you wrong when giving input on them. You’re quite welcome, I’ve been doing cruises for about 7 years now, give or take, and you’re definitely not missing anything with the snorkeling.”

Pam pointed out a few more things that she’d done in the past. She smiled when he mentioned that sunset cruises sounded more like a couples thing to do. “Take my word, it’s definitely not just for couples, anyone who appreciates the little moments and a beautiful sunset that you’ll never see again, will enjoy it. I’ve done one on every cruise with my sister and we always have a wonderful time.” I thought you might be new at this, you looked a little lost up on deck. My advice….enjoy every moment and make it a trip to remember always.”

As they stood together talking, Pam smiled softly and offered her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Steven, my name is Pamela.”

 

[NewGame8]

"It is very nice to meet you, Pamela." Steven took her as she offered it.

"I might have to check out that sunset cruise if it is as beautiful as you say it is. Considering the fact that you have done the sunset cruise on every one of your cruises, I would be a fool not to take your recommendation, especially considering the fact that I have no idea about anything to do with cruises."

He thought about her telling him to enjoy the moment and to make it a trip to remember. "Well, that is what I am hoping for. Of course, I am hoping to remember it for all the right reasons. I really hope that it isn't something I remember for the wrong reasons."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam smiled at Steven and took his hand, she could feel herself tense up just a bit, but breathed through it.

“Trust me, you’ll never see such a beautiful sight. The colors of the sky as it sinks down behind the ocean is absolutely stunning. They prepare just about any type of food and drink you could ask for also. The crew is very helpful about any questions about excursions, your cabin, activities and whatever else you need and most of the passengers, me included would be happily to help you, I’m sure.”

“I’ve never had a bad experience yet. My sister usually accompanies me on these cruises but she’s expecting her first child and on bed rest. Unfortunately I had already booked a few excursions for us but couldn’t get a refund, I’m hoping I can just find someone who could take her voucher and join me.”

 

[NewGame8]

Steven listened as Pamela described the sunset dinner cruise. It was obvious from the excitement in her voice that she really enjoyed it every time she went on it. Her excitement in describing the sunset dinner cruise made Steven want to go on it an experience it for himself.

Pamela described how helpful the crew was on this cruise line. "Yes, I noticed that at the baggage drop off and at the excursion table; the women that I dealt with were very willing to help me in any way they could. I especially liked that the woman talked me out of the snorkeling."

Listening to Pamela tell him how her sister usually accompanies her on the cruise and how she had already booked the sunset dinner cruise for both of them, Steven had an idea. "I am sorry your sister could not join you on the cruise, but I am sure that it is in the best interest of her and her baby that she stayed at home. Since you have told me how great the dinner cruise is, and you have an extra ticket for it, why don't I buy it from you. That way you are not stuck with an extra ticket that goes unused."

 

[Girly_girl]

As Pam was deep into her conversation with Steven about the sunset cruise, something about his body language told her he was completely at ease in her presence. His smile as she continued to talk about it, she felt as if he was convinced how enjoyable it would be. “Sometimes as the the sun is setting, look out on the horizon and you’ll see a pod of dolphins.”

“I’ve been on this line several times and have gotten to know some of the crew, they really are a hardworking bunch. They know their stuff.”

“Yes, she was disappointed but following doctors orders. This is my first solo trip, so a little different for me.” Pam listened to Steven offer to pay for the ticket and smiled softly. “That’s kind of you, but she already paid me back, but please, I insist…take it.” Pam dug into her bag and handed him an envelope with the ticket inside. “The only thing is, it is a table for 2 and I hope that’s not a problem.” A thought came to her, she didn’t even know if this guy was here with someone, each time she had run into him, she hadn’t noticed a woman with him or a ring on his finger. She’d feel incredibly stupid if she was crossing a line.

 

[NewGame8]

"No, I insist on paying for the dinner cruise. You can give the money back to your sister, or you can by something for the baby when she/ he is born." Steven would not take the envelope from Pamela until she agreed to let him pay her for the excursion.

"I do not have a problem with the table for 2. No matter what, I would have to sit with people I don't know. At least now, I get to sit with someone that I have met before going on the excursion. That will make the trip less awkward."

When Pamela agreed to let him pay her for the ticket, He took the envelope from her. As he did so, his fingers brushed her hand. When that happened, he felt a spark that he hadn't felt in a long time. Of course, he hadn't touched a woman in a long time. The fact that he thought Pamela was very attractive and was wearing a dress that showed off her wonderful curves probably added to the intensity of the spark he felt.

Taking a deep breath, Steven smiled at Pamela again. "Thank you for the invitation. I am sure I will have a great time if the sunset dinner cruise is half as nice as you describe it. Plus, I will be in the company of a very nice woman who has eased some of my anxiety about my first cruise."

 

[Girly_girl]

Pam had a feeling that she was not going to be able to hand over the ticket without taking money from Steven, so after a few minutes of going back and forth while laughing with each other, she agreed to let him pay for the ticket for the dinner cruise. Pushing her sunglasses up on her head and smiled, she handed him the envelope. For a brief moment Steven’s fingers brushed over her hand and she had felt something that she hadn’t felt in a very long time, but indescribable with words…was it butterflies….was it a spark? Pamela was not sure, but she knew it was good.

“Wonderful, I wasn’t looking forward to dining alone and watching the beautiful sunset. I must say I’m excited for you to see it with me.” We dock tomorrow at Celebration Key and board onto the boat for dinner at 6 and it will return us to the ship by 8:30.”

Pam sensed a certain sadness about Steven at first, but when he took a deep breath and smiled at her, it told her he was comfortable in her presence. Her heart was racing, she wasn’t sure if was her anxiety or if she was also starting to feel at ease with him. “You’re very welcome, in all honesty, I was feeling a little anxious myself…so I guess we’re helping each other out. Pam could feel herself relaxing, judging by the big, beautiful smile on her face.

 

[NewGame8]

Steven listened to Pamela talk about the docking at Celebration Key and the boarding times for the sunset dinner cruise and what time they would return to the ship. "You could be the Cruise Director. Either that or you could be a Marketing Director for the cruise line. You have all of the information that anyone needs and you do a wonderful job of promoting all of the positives."

"I really appreciate all of the help you are giving me. Honestly, if you didn't provide me with the information you have, I would probably spend my time sitting on the balcony in my cabin, sitting at the pool, or running around the deck. Now I have the opportunity to get off the ship and see a fantastic sunset with an attractive woman. I think that taking this cruise is going to be a good decision after all."

Looking at Pamela, Steven couldn't help but notice the beautiful smile that made her face light up. Combined with her body that really made her dress look amazing, Steven thought she was the total package. He wondered why she was here alone and not with husband, boyfriend, or significant other.

 

[Girly_girl]

"You could be the Cruise Director. Either that or you could be a Marketing Director for the cruise line. You have all of the information that anyone needs and you do a wonderful job of promoting all of the positives."

Pam smiled even more at Steven’s word about he passion and knowledge of cruises. “Don’t laugh, but there was a time when my dream was to work on a cruise ship. I used to watch reruns of a show called The Love Boat. I had a friend who worked for a cruise line, she was one of the performers, it’s not as glamorous as it appears and it’s quite lonely.” It was then that I decided to do it on a personal level and make it a tradition every year.”

“It is my pleasure to help you.” Pam listened to Steven say, had it not been for her, he’d be spending most of the time in his cabin or running around the deck. He sounded somewhat sad when he told her what he might be doing on the cruise if I hadn’t approached him. “Steven….if you’d allow me, I’d really love to show you around the islands when we dock at our destinations. I’ve been several times and know all the good spots for dining and sightseeing.”

Pam was hoping he’d agree to her invitation and join her on the different islands they be docking at. Something about him allowed her to feel incredibly comfortable with him, she hadn’t felt that way around a man in a very long time. From what she’s seen so far, he has an amazing smile, a wonderful laugh, well dressed and looks to be very active at the gym.

 

[NewGame8]

"That is really interesting that you had that personal connection to cruising through your friend and that you decided to make it a tradition from then on. I am sure that your sister, despite the fact she is about to have a baby, is disappointed that she could not accompany you this year on this tradition that you have established."

He was a little taken aback when Pamela offered to show him around at each of their destinations. It wasn't something that he was expecting. "Pamela, I don't want to interfere in any way with your enjoyment of the cruise. I am sure that I will be able to figure things out when we get into each port. I don't want you to feel like you have to babysit me. You are here to have a good time and not to be someone's tour guide."

Steven wasn't sure if he had said something wrong, but it appeared from the small frown on Pamela's face that he had not given her the response that she was looking for. "Pamela, I truly appreciate your offer to show me around the islands. I don't want you to feel like you have to do that just because it is my first time on a cruise. I want you to enjoy yourself and not feel like you have to babysit me."

 

[Girly_girl]

“Yes it is. She had no desire to marry or have children and she wanted to see the world, coming from an upper class family, she didn’t need to work, but she didn’t want to depend on her family. It’s a tradition we’ve come to love and look forward to it every year, but her doctor was insistent on bed rest.”

"Pamela, I don't want to interfere in any way with your enjoyment of the cruise. I am sure that I will be able to figure things out when we get into each port. I don't want you to feel like you have to babysit me. You are here to have a good time and not to be someone's tour guide."

As Pam listened to Steven telling her he did not need any help in getting around and he would figure it out, she felt herself getting embarrassed and her level of anxiety rising. Pulling her sunglasses back down on her face and smiling politely, “It’s okay, no big deal. I’m sure you’ll find your way around the ports just fine. So, please excuse me as I’m going to go unpack before dinner. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow evening when we dock for the sunset cruise, enjoy your evening.”

She proceeded to walk to her cabin and went in. The luggage had already been delivered, so she took her sunglasses off and went out on her balcony to get lost in her thoughts.